Town of Yucca Valley Community Update
Town of Yucca Valley Community Update
February 1, 2016 
 

Welcome to the first 2016 edition of the Town's Community update. As we turn the page and enter a new year, we are excited about the many positive opportunities and developments here in Yucca Valley. Commercial development continues to recover nicely with new retail stores and restaurants, such as the Harbor Freight Tools store opening in early February, and the recently approved Steak and Shake in final planning. A new transfer station and yard was just approved for the Town's solid waste franchise hauler Burrtec, and other commercial and industrial developments continue through the entitlement and design process. Additionally, work continues on both in-fill and track home development at a reasonable pace. 2016 will also be the year that the Town-wide wastewater system will break ground and move forward under the lead of the Hi Desert Water District. As you will see through the information below, there is a lot happening in Yucca Valley. We invite you to stay engaged with your Elected Officials and with Town Staff as new decisions are considered and made with the simple goal of keeping the Town of Yucca Valley as a great place to live, work, and play.
 
In the following update, we have highlighted many of the projects and programs underway around Town, and hope that you find the information both interesting and useful. As always, we appreciate your participation and feedback at any time. Visit the Town's website for contact and additional information at  www.yucca-valley.org or feel free to stop by Town Hall to say hello.
 
Curtis Yakimow - Town Manager


To send us your comments please email us at commrelations@yucca-valley.org.

If this newsletter was forwarded to you and you would like to sign up to receive Community Updates, please go here.
 
To download a printable version of this email or to view our archive of Community Updates, please go here.
Mayor to Hold Regular "Coffee with the Mayor" Meetings
Yucca Valley Mayor, Robert "Bob" Leone is pleased to invite the public to become engaged in the community and local government. Mayor Leone will host a Coffee with the Mayor meeting on the fourth Wednesday of each month from 8:00 am to 9:00 am in the Mesquite Room at the Town's Community Center Complex. Join the Mayor for coffee and donuts, and discuss your areas of concern, ideas for the community, or just learn more about the activities within the Town. The next meeting will be held on February 24, 2016.

Council Begins to Look at Providing Community Choices
Following up on the Community Outreach and Strategic Planning efforts completed in the Fall of 2015, the Town Council recently received an update from its Revenue Ad Hoc Committee. In the report to the full Council, the Ad Hoc Committee shared a recommendation to begin looking at the viability of presenting the community with the opportunity to determine their preferred level of service for public safety and police, streets and road maintenance, and sewer cost assistance, through a potential sales tax measure or measures on the November 2016 ballot. The Council unanimously agreed to move forward with a formal survey of the Community to accurately understand the Community's priorities and interest in such an approach. This effort will get underway shortly, and will need input from Town residents. Stay tuned for the most up to date information on this topic by visiting the Town's website. A new page will be added in the next couple of weeks dedicated to this effort.
 
Parks Division News, Repairs and Improvements
Brehm Park Maintenance, Repairs and Improvements
The Parks Division is always performing maintenance to keep our parks in good condition. Making sure the vegetation looking great requires keeping the irrigation system in top condition. The Parks Division recently installed a new irrigation valve a Brehm Park, which is one example of the maintenance they preform every day.
 
The Parks Division also cleaned the storm drains at the new Brehm Park with the help of a contractor. This was part of the Town's ongoing preparations for storm events.
 
 
 
 
Community Center Maintenance, Repairs and Improvements
One vital part of an irrigation system is a back flow prevention device, which prevents water that may have potentially been contaminated from exposure to an irrigation system from flowing back into the potable water supply. The Parks Division recently installed a new back flow device at the Community Center.
 
 
 
 
   
 
Repairing Storm Damage
The Parks Division has also been busy repair storm damage, due to the early January Storms. Storm waters washed dirt and debris into several of our parks. The pictures below show the parks crew clearing storm debris at Essig Park and Jacob Park.
 

Yucca Valley Animal Shelter and Animal Care and Control

Yucca Valley Animal Shelter
During December 2015, a total of 55 dogs and cats were either adopted, returned to their owners or transferred to an animal rescue for adoption! If you are looking for a companion animal, please visit us. The Yucca Valley Animal Shelter is located at 4755 Malin Way which is off of Skyline Ranch Road. The Shelter is open Tuesday through Saturday from 12 noon to 5 pm, excluding holidays. Please call us at 760-365-3111 if you have any questions. Pictures of some of our adoptable pets can be found on Petfinder.com
   
 
 

The Shelter is Not Just For Dogs and Cats
On December 4, 2015, Animal Control dispatch received a call from a citizen who had discovered an injured pig on her property. According to the resident, the pig had entered her fenced horse property and had made itself at home next to her barn. Animal Control Officers responded to the location and confined the approximately 200 pound farm hog. During the call, officers discovered that the female pig appeared to be nursing piglets. The pig was transported to the Yucca Valley Animal Shelter, and received treatment by a local livestock veterinarian. The following day, the same resident contacted the Animal Shelter and reported that a neighbor had discovered four piglets on his property. The piglets were brought to the Animal Shelter and were reunited with their very worried mother. Shelter staff have made contact with the owner who will reclaim the animals after securing his property.
 
 
 
 
 
Animal Shelter Open House Event
The Town of Yucca Valley Animal Shelter hosted an Open House on December 5. The public was invited to visit the shelter, meet the staff, and visit with the animals. The animal shelter was busy for the entire event and the public showed its support for the shelter, staff, and especially the animals. A total of 24 animals were adopted during the open house event. Besides the public, Town Council members stopped by to visit with the animals and greet the public.
 


Streets Division News, Repairs and Improvements
Installation of New 4-Way Stop and Stop Ahead signs at Yucca Trail and Warren Vista
The Streets Division of the Public Works Department recently installed new 4-way stop signs, stop ahead signs with flashing amber beacons, and new pavement markings at the intersection of Yucca Trail and Warren Vista.
 

 
Street Cleanup After Storms
The Town of Yucca Valley experienced rain storms on January 5th and 6th of 2016, with approximately 2.03 inches of rain measured over two days.   The Streets Division immediately begin work clearing dirt and debris from the roadways.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Storm Drain and Dry well Cleaning
The Streets Division has also been working with a vendor to clean all eighteen storm drains and dry wells that are included in the maintained road system. These dry wells help reduce ponding and water hazards for the motoring public.
 
 
Maintenance of Pima Trail
The Town of Yucca Valley maintains Pima Trail between Church Street and Palm Avenue. The Streets Division recently graded this section of Pima Trail. The rutting and potholes were repaired while the soil was damp and then the road was compacted.
 
 
 
 
Code Compliance

Property Maintenance
The Code Compliance Division received complaints that a commercial building was storing carpet and plastic materials out in the public view. Code Compliance attempted to make contact with the owner, but the owner failed to respond and Code Compliance issued a citation. The property was cleaned up and brought into compliance.
 




  
Property Maintenance
The Code Compliance Division received complaints that a foreclosed property was being used by people to illegally dump junk and trash. Code Compliance made contact with the bank, but no action was taken until Code Compliance issued a citation. The property was subsequently brought into compliance.
 
 
 
 
 
  
Trespass and Illegal Camping
The Code Compliance Division was notified that individuals were illegally camping behind the local Big Lots store. Code Compliance contacted the individuals and advised them to leave the location. The Sheriff's Department was contacted and, with the assistance of Code Compliance, had the individuals leave the location. The property owner cooperated with Code Compliance and cleaned up any remaining junk or trash on the site.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital Improvement Projects
Paradise Park Improvements
The Town received a state grant award in the amount of $168,700 for improvements to Paradise Park, and the Town Council allocated $91,460 in Community Development Block Grant funds. The Town Council allocated additional financial resources to the project making $440,180 available for Park improvements. Various improvements are included in the construction project, such as basketball courts, walking trails, a pickle ball court and expansion of shade structure around the playground area.
 
Status:
The Town Council is scheduled to consider award of the construction bid at its meeting of February 2, 2016.

 

SR62 Traffic Control Synchronization Project (Phase II)
The project consist of synchronization of 10 traffic signals on SR62 and the intersections of Sage Avenue, Dumosa Avenue, SR247, Airway, Warren Vista, Balsa, Hilton, Avalon, Home Depot, and Yucca Mesa/La Contenta to mitigate and reduce traffic congestion and delay through improved traffic signal timing, improve traffic flow and reduced idling time resulting in improved air quality.
 
Status: The Town Council awarded the design contract at its meeting of December 15, 2015 to Albert Grover & Associates in the amount of $85,670, and design is currently underway.

Private Land Development 
Conditional Use Permit, CUP- 02-15 Burrtec
A Conditional Use Permit application was submitted to the Town to construct a new maintenance and transfer station facility, including a 15,000 sq. ft. transfer station, a 16,000 sq. ft. maintenance building, a 3,025 sq. ft. administration office, a 3,300 sq. ft. employee office, a fuel station and scales. The project is located at the southeast corner of Sunnyslope Drive and Indio Avenue.
 
Status:
The project was approved by the Planning Commission on January 26, 2016.
 
 
 
HDWD Wastewater Collection System Project
Hi-Desert Water District has submitted plans for Package A of Phase 1 of the wastewater collection system. This Package includes the areas from La Contenta Road on the east, Alaba Avenue on the west, Barron Drive on the north to Mountain View Trail on the south. Plan check for Package A collection system is complete.
 
 
 
   
Arby's Proposes to Occupy Former Taco Bell Building, Tenant Improvement Building Permit Application
Building Permit applications have been filed with the Town for tenant improvements to the former Taco Bell building.  Arby's restaurants is proposing to remodel and occupy the building in the near future.
 
Status: 
The project has been deemed incomplete and is pending the submittal of additional material by the applicant.  Building permit applications have been filed, and construction plans are in Building & Safety Plan Check.
 
 
 
Medical Facility Proposes to Occupy former Jernigan's/Yellow Mart Building, Tenant Improvement Building Permit Application
Building Permit applications have been filed with the Town for tenant improvements to the former Jernigan's/Yellow Mart building in the Denny's commercial center.  A dialysis company proposes major renovations and operations from the building.
 
Status: 
Plans were submitted for plan check and are currently under review.
 
 
Conditional Use Permit 04-15, Steak and Shake
A Conditional Use Permit application was submitted to the Town to construct a Steak and Shake restaurant containing approximately 3000 square feet.  The project is located west of Marshalls and to the front of the Home Depot property.
 
Status:
The project was approved by the Planning Commission on January 12, 2016, and building plans are underway.
 
 
Tentative Parcel Map, TPM 19685, Hawks Ridge
A Tentative Parcel Map application was submitted to the Town, which proposes to subdivide an approximate 61 acre parcel into four parcels and one remainder parcel.  The property is located on the west side of Fairway and north of Pinon. 
 
Status:
Revised application materials are currently under review.
 
 
 
 
Conditional Use Permit, 03-15 VZW CORTEL
A Conditional Use Permit application was submitted to the Town, proposing to construct a 52' cell tower disguised as a water tank. The project is located at 3450 Sage Avenue.
 
Status:
The project is scheduled for a public hearing before the Planning Commission on February 9, 2016.


 
 
 
 
Harbor Freight Tools Tenant Improvement
Harbor Freight Tools has submitted building plans for tenant improvements to occupy approximately 21,015 square feet of commercial space located at 57980 29 Palms Hwy, which is the former Wal-Mart building.
 
Status
The project is  complete. The store is currently open for business, and the Grand Opening is scheduled for February 10, 2016. 


 
Site Plan Review, SPR 02-14 Walbern
Approval to construct approximately 7,768 square feet of commercial space to include retail and quick serve restaurants, to include parking and landscaping improvements. The project includes two quick serve restaurants of 1,500 sq ft and 1,200 sq ft, with the remainder to be retail uses. All new utilities will be constructed below grade, and sewage disposal is proposed by connecting the buildings to an adjacent future public sewer system when available. An interim, private on-site conventional septic system is proposed until public sewers are available. Surrounding land uses include a mix of commercial and residential. Access to the site is proposed from SR 62 with secondary access from Palisade Drive
 
Status
Walbern was approved by the Planning Commission on January 27, 2015. Grading Plans are under review by the Engineering Division and Building Plans are under review by the Building and Safety Division.
 
 
 
Tentative Parcel Map, TPM 19655 Zarakov
Proposal to subdivide an approximately 1.25 acre parcel into two commercial lots. Parcel 1 would contain 0.75 acre and Parcel 2 would contain 0.50 acre. Parcel 1 is a vacant lot and is not proposed to be developed at this time. Parcel 2 is developed with an approximately 2,500 square foot commercial structure.
 
Status
The project is scheduled for the Planning Commission meeting of February 09, 2016.
 
 
 
LUCR 01-15 Xalis
Approval to rehabilitate the former Jerry's Restaurant as SR62 and Kickapoo Trail. The project also includes 28 parking spaces and landscaping.
 
Status
Precise grading plans are under review by the Engineering Division and building plans have been submitted to the Building and Safety Division.

 



Recreation Department- Upcoming Events and Activities
Experience Yucca Valley Recreation Guide
Keep track of upcoming events with the Experience Yucca Valley Recreation Guide.   Copies can be picked up at the Community Center and at Town Hall. It is also available on our website at www.yucca-valley.org .
 
Mom, Dad & Me Drop-In Playtime
Tuesdays from 9:30 am to 10:30 am
Community Center
$2.00 per session, no registration required
 
Social interaction is a big part of child development. The Town of Yucca Valley Recreation Department is hosting a weekly Mom, Dad and Me class held at the Yucca Valley Community Center from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Tuesdays. The class gives an opportunity for parents and children to interact in a social learning environment. The weekly sessions are geared for young children up to five years of age and include activities in art, singing, dancing and a variety of other creative and fun learning experiences led by instructor Bianca Stoker.
 
Just come and play! Registration is not required for this drop-in style class! Participants pay a $2.00 fee per session at the door and all materials are included. This class is just one of many recreational programs and events organized by the Town of Yucca Valley's Community Services Department. For more information please call the Yucca Valley Community Services Department at 760 369-7211, Monday through Thursday 12:00-5:00 p.m.
 
Town of Yucca Valley Self-Defense Workshop
February 20, 2016 from 9:00 am to 11:30 pm
Community Center
$15.00 Per Person
 
Learn the time tested art of the Samurai - tailored to today's environment. Instructor Norman Rose, black belt in Ketsugo Jujitsu, has over 20 years of experience and will teach a variety of self-defense techniques that can be used by everyone. This 2 ½ hour, hands-on lesson is presented by the Town of Yucca Valley Recreation Department and includes demonstrations, instruction and lecture. Students should wear comfortable clothing. Ages 14 and up are welcome to participate and no experience is required. The Self-Defense Workshop will take place on Saturday, February 20, 2016 from 9:00 am to 11:30 am at the Town of Yucca Valley Community Center. The cost is $15.00 per person; the class is free to students with school ID. Space is limited; early registration is encouraged. Participants may pre-register online at www.yucca-valley.org or in person at the Community Center from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm, Monday through Thursday. On-site registration will be accepted as space allows.   For more information contact the Town of Yucca Valley Community Services Department at (760) 369-7211, Monday through Thursday, 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
 
24th Annual Healthy Hearts 5K Run and Family Health Walk
Date:   Saturday, February 20
Time:   Pre-register for express check-in at the race
(Race day registration 8:00 - 8:45 a.m.)
Race begins at 9:00 a.m.
Ages:   All                  
Cost:   $20/includes souvenir t-shirt (pre-registered only)
Location: Essig Park
 
Personal health and fitness are the theme of the Town of Yucca Valley's annual Healthy Hearts 5K Run and 2K Family Health Walk scheduled for Saturday, February 20th, in conjunction with National Heart Month. The event begins and ends at Essig Park, located at 8490 Warren Vista Avenue, near the corner of Warren Vista Avenue and Joshua Lane. The course stays on paved roads as it winds through one of Yucca Valley's family friendly neighborhoods, finishing with a picturesque view of the valley and mountains beyond. The run will start at 9:00 am sharp, rain or shine. Brochures with race information and a course map are available at the Community Services Office in the Yucca Valley Community Center and online at www.yucca-valley.org .
 
The Healthy Hearts 5K Run and Health Walk is open to participants of all ages and fitness levels. Awards will be presented to overall male and female winners in the 5K run as well as to top finishers in each age division. Participation certificates will be presented to those who complete the non-competitive Health Walk.
 
Those interested in entering the Run or Health Walk are encouraged to register in advance at the Community Services Office in the Community Center or online at www.yucca-valley.org ; pre-registered participants will enjoy express check in at the race, a souvenir race t-shirt, and will be automatically entered into a drawing for a variety of fun door prizes. The registration fee is $20 for all age runners. On-site registration will also be accepted on race day beginning at 8:00 a.m. (shirt availability is not guaranteed for on-site registration).
 
The event is organized and conducted by the Recreation Division of the Town of Yucca Valley with the support of sponsors Hi-Desert Publishing Company, Z107.7 FM Radio and Hi-Desert Medical Center. Timing services are provided by Coach Jay Stepp and the Yucca Valley High School Cross Country Team. For more information, contact the Community Services office Monday through Thursday, 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 760-369-7211
 
Youth Gymnastics Classes Develop Coordination and Confidence
New Session Beginning on February 22
Yucca Valley Community Center
 
A new session of the Town of Yucca Valley's gymnastics classes for kids will begin Monday, February 22, 2016 at the Yucca Valley Community Center. Four class selections are offered including Kinder Gym, Beginning Gymnastics, Intermediate Gymnastics and Beginning Rhythmic Gymnastics. Gymnastics turns movement into learning while helping children develop coordination, listening skills and confidence. Instructor Heather Kaczmarczyk-Huntoon is an experienced gymnast of 15 years and has been a gymnastics instructor for 12 years. Classes are age-appropriate, engaging and fun!
 
All Gymnastic classes are offered on Mondays at the Yucca Valley Community Center with Kinder Gym at 3:30 p.m., Beginning Gymnastics at 4:00 p.m., Intermediate Gymnastics at 5:00 p.m., and Beginning Rhythmic Gymnastics at 6:00 p.m. Participants are required to register in advance for the four week sessions and pay class fees of $30 per session for Kinder Gym and $40 per session for Beginning, Intermediate and Rhythmic classes. Registration is accepted online at www.yucca-valley.org or in person at the Yucca Valley Community Center, Monday through Thursday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.   For more information view the Recreation Guide at www.yucca-valley.org or contact the Yucca Valley Community Services Dept. at 760 369-7211.
 
Dance Classes
New Session Starting February 10, 2016
Wednesdays - 6 pm Ballroom, 7 pm Swing
$40 Per Session, must be 14 years or older
Yucca Valley Community Center
 
Ballroom Dancing Class
You've seen it on "Dancing With the Stars", now you can experience Ballroom Dancing yourself. Ballroom dancing is easy to learn and besides being great fun, is also great exercise for people of all ages. Dances to be taught include: Cha Cha, Foxtrot, Rumba, Tango and Waltz.
Swing Dancing Class
East Coast Swing Dancing is very easy to learn and besides being great fun, it is also excellent exercise for people of all ages. This retro-style dance can be enjoyed with many kinds of music including Big Band, Rhythm & Blues, 50's Lounge Music, Western Swing, Rockabilly and 50's Rock And Roll.
You do not need to bring a partner. As in all social dance classes, partners will be rotated throughout the lesson. Pre-registration required. Please do not wear flip-flops or sandals.
 
Winter Sessions:        
Session 4: Feb 10, 17, 24, March 2
Session 5: March 16, 23, 30, April 6
Day: Wednesdays      
Age: 14 and over                  
Cost: $40 per four week session
Time:   Ballroom Dance 6:00 p.m.     Swing Dance 7:00 p.m.
Instructor: Chris Perry Location: Community Center

Dog Obedience Classes
New Session Starting February 25, 2016
Thursdays: 4:00 pm Advanced Obedience or Puppy Class, 5:30 Basic Obedience
$135 Per Six Week Session - Puppy Class or Basic Obedience
$175 Per Six Week Session - Advanced Obedience
 
Puppy Class - Up to Age 1
The AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy class is a new program designed to get dog owners and their puppies off to a good start. This class provides an opportunity for your dog to socialize with other dogs. You will get information on all puppy issues, including house training, chewing, and the most effective way to teach practical skills such as coming when called.
Basic Dog Obedience
This is a six-week course to establish skills for successful communication between you and your dog and learn to master the AKC Canine Good Citizen guidelines. Instruction includes Sit, Stay, Come, Down, Leave it & Heel, in addition to participating in team socialization exercises and target problem solving.
Advanced Dog Obedience
This class will teach the skills required for the AKC Canine Good Citizen Certificate. Instruction includes wait and sit/stay in groups; walking on a loose leash; calmness in crowds, with strangers and with other dogs; and obeying distance commands. The class will also include preparation in the skills required for your dog to become a registered therapy dog.
CLASS SESSIONS:
Session 4: Feb 25 - March 24                4:00 pm Advanced Obedience                         5:30 pm Basic Obedience
Session 5: April 7 - May 12                     4:00 pm Puppy Class                                       5:30 pm Basic Obedience
Day:   Thursdays                
Cost:     Puppy Class and Basic Obedience:      $135 (six weeks)
Advanced Obedience                              $175 (six weeks)
 
Dogs must be current on all vaccinations. Pre-registration is required. For more information please call Lori Herbel at (760) 420-7529 www.happytrailsdoggyschool.com
 
Adult Day Trip - St. Patrick's Day at the Great Race Place - Santa Anita!
Date: Thursday, March 17, 2016
Times: 9:30 a.m. Departure - 7:30 p.m. Return
Join the Town of Yucca Valley Recreation Department for a trip to the Great Race Place - Santa Anita Racetrack in Arcadia! Participants will enjoy admission to the racetrack along with a daily program, buffet lunch at the Club House at noon, and comfortable deluxe motor coach transportation to and from the track. The Great Race Place is always a fun adventure and a spectacle of world-class Thoroughbred racing.  Armed with a Daily Racing Program, you can follow along on the race card and have all the details of the day. Its St. Patrick's Day so green is in for flaunting your race day fashion! Flowing dresses and BIG hats are never a bad choice for the ladies; fedoras and bow ties are fashionable for men. Feel free to accessorize, experiment and have fun with your outfit on this lucky day!
 
The trip takes place on Thursday, March 17, 2016; participants must register on or before the March 3, 2016 deadline.  Departure is at 9:30 a.m. from the Yucca Valley Community Center, returning at 7:30 p.m. Package price of $65 per person includes admission, program, lunch, clubhouse seating, and transportation. Early registration is encouraged. Participants may register online at www.yucca-valley.org or in person at the Community Center from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm, Monday through Thursday.  For more information contact the Town of Yucca Valley Community Services Department at (760) 369-7211.

Hi-Desert Nature Museum- Upcoming Events and Activities
Pollinators: Keeping Company with Flowers
On Display January 7 - February 20, 2016
 
This traveling exhibition explores the diversity of native California pollinators and their flowers through a series of vivid photographs.
 
Take a closer look at California ecology through the lives of these pollinating species and the needs and obstacles of these important insects. The exhibition features over 50 photographs of pollinators in wild and garden settings, primarily taken by Northern California plantsman and naturalist, John Whittlesey. These images vividly portray the intriguing lives of bees, butterflies, flies, and beetles. The exhibit aims to increase awareness and appreciation of the incredible beauty and diversity of pollinators in California.
 
 
Call For Artists - Reduce, Reuse Recycle Exhibition
On Display February 25 - April 30, 2016
Opening Reception Friday, February 26, 2016.
 
The community is invited to contribute original works of art inspired by and made from recycled or reused materials for display in the museum's annual exhibition, "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle," which will also be featured during the Town of Yucca Valley's Earth Day Celebration on April 16, 2016. Paintings, sculptures, photographs, mixed media and upcycled creations are welcome. Children and school projects are especially encouraged. Art submissions will be taken February 18-20. For participation guidelines, please visit http://www.hidesertnaturemuseum.org or contact the Hi-Desert Nature Museum at (760) 369-7212.
 
 
 
 
Town of Yucca Valley | 760-369-7211 | lcopeland@yucca-valley.org  
57090 Twentynine Palms Hwy
Yucca Valley, CA 92284
STAY CONNECTED: